Why Arsenal Sacked 8 Staff Members In Major Backroom Shakeup

Arsenal technical director, Edu was surprised by the number of extra heads present in the club coaching staff.

He took it upon himself to trim out all the fat and solve one of the most damaging disputes in the club’s academy – the one between Per Mertesacker and Steve Morrow.

Mertesacker was handed over the reigns to head the Academy right after retiring from football. Morrow had hoped to take up Edu’s spot as technical director but he remained in his old role. Morrow and Mertesacker never saw eye-to-eye and often got in confrontations about several decisions.

Morrow was rooted to his old-school approach and wanted things to remain the way they are. After a significant dip in Arsenal’s performances at youth level, his way of operation was questioned and eventually, it led to him getting fired along with seven other staff members.

It was a major shakeup in the Gunners backroom and one Edu has been planning for a long time. With Morrow’s departure, Mertesacker would be allowed to run the youth setup the way he wants. The ones included in the axed list are reported to be Dave Lee, Kevin Beadell and Dan Rice.

This just shows how ruthless Arsenal are starting to become from within, something that should strike fear into the heart of Unai Emery. The Spaniard has not taken control as the club manager and his future at the club could be at risk.